Michael van Gerwen v Daryl Gurney

 

We’ve reached the play-offs and Michael van Gerwen has topped the regular season league table for a seventh successive year. Daryl Gurney is going to be up against it, but the Northern Irishman has actually won three of the last four meetings between the two.

However, two of those were earlier in the competition and over a smaller format, while over 21-legs the Players Championship Final, he was 6.00 in the match outcome market, whereas he is just 4.40 for this 19-leg semi-final.

Furthermore, in the two league defeats this year, the Green Machine averaged just 95 and 98 respectively, but in their latest meeting, he showed his true class when winning 7-3 with a throwing average of 102.6

Superchin managed a 97.75 average during the regular season, but that pales in comparison to MVG’s 102.56. What’s more, the Dutchman’s checkout ratio was as high at 49% and he finished with a +41 leg differential, compared to Gurney’s +7.

Over this longer format, his class should tell, and the most likely scenario is a victory by at least a four-game margin.

MVG to win the match, score over 4.5 180s & checkout over 120.5 – WAS 4.00 NOW 4.50*

Rob Cross v James Wade

 

These two actually faced off in the final round of the regular Premier League campaign, but both were already through to the play-offs and so the game lacked much zip.

Indeed, Wade won 8-6, averaging 94.4 compared to Cross’ 92.39, but we expect the quality to go up a notch for this one. They go off at similar prices to last week, but the longer format should favour Cross, who has been throwing the better darts overall in this competition.

He’s throwing a 99.25 tournament average compared to the Machine’s 96.82, while in their only previous meeting over the same format, Cross won 10-6.

James Wade to win any leg on the bull – WAS 3.50 NOW 4.00*

Outright

 

The winner of each semi-final will then face off in the final. MVG is 1.50 in the outright and it looks far too short for a player that has proven to be beatable during this Premier League campaign.

Especially as either of the players from the other semi-final would provide a formidable test. Given we think Cross will prevail form his semi with Wade, he’s be our pick at 5.65*

Rob Cross to Win the Premier League of Darts – WAS 5.00 NOW 5.65*

*all odds are subject to change